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Abstract

In this study the pistil structure of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) was investigated for the first time through free-hand section and observation on seed set under manually controlled pollination. The results showed that 5 styles with stigmas, free at base, inserted on the upper surface of the ovary. The ovary consisted of 5 fused carpels; the septums, originating from the carpellary margins, divided the ovary into 5 locules, with each locule containing a placenta to which the 2 ovules attached; the locules were lined by a thick cuticle. In the hand-pollination to the only one stigma left (4 styles were removed), seeds were produced only in one locule (fertile locule), while in other 4 locules all the 8 ovules were unfertilized and wilt. 76.67% fertile locules produced two normal seeds and 23.33% fertile locules produced only one normal seed and the other degenerated. Therefore, it can be concluded that 5 styles and 5 locules had a one-to-one relationship in both morphological and reproductive characteristics in loquat.

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